Helen Brown

Tamsin Greig reflects on her career across television, stage and radio while preparing for her Royal Opera House debut in La Fille du régiment. She discusses her comic roles in Green Wing, Black Books and Friday Night Dinner, her late introduction to opera, and her approach to choosing projects. Greig describes the physical demands of performance, her introverted nature, and her belief that artists should challenge the status quo. She also comments lightly on Timothée Chalamet’s claim that audiences no longer care about opera, affirming the form’s resilience.

James McAvoy reflects on authenticity, class and accent bias while discussing his directorial debut, California Schemin’, which tells the true story of Scottish rappers who reinvented themselves as Americans to gain industry acceptance. He highlights the emotional toll their deception took, relates it to his own experiences with accent-based prejudice in acting, and describes the challenges of transitioning to directing. The film explores the allure and cost of constructing false identities, ending with a message about the importance of being oneself.

Charles Collingwood reflects on his 51 years playing Brian Aldridge in The Archers, discussing the show's enduring popularity, the challenges and humor of portraying a notorious womaniser, and the public reactions he receives. He shares anecdotes from his career, personal life, and interactions with fans and colleagues while highlighting how the programme addresses evolving social issues through long-running storylines. Now approaching 83, he continues to make weekly trips to the Birmingham studio and looks forward to touring the UK as part of The Archers’ 75th anniversary celebrations.

Michael Socha reflects on emotional acting, his working‑class upbringing, and the personal experiences that shape his performances, including influences from family and encounters with addiction. He discusses the challenges and therapeutic nature of crying on set, his early path into drama, his career highs and lows, and his preference for grounded working environments over Hollywood. Socha describes preparing for his role in The Cage, ongoing work on The Witch Farm, and how meditation and emotional release have influenced his approach to acting.

Johannes Radebe recounts his journey from a difficult childhood marked by homophobic bullying, family trauma and a violent alcoholic father to becoming a celebrated performer in Strictly Come Dancing and Kinky Boots. He describes reconciling with his mother, confronting a former bully, forming a deep bond with partner John Whaite and finding a sense of acceptance and emotional safety through performing, particularly in the role of Lola. His story reflects resilience, personal healing and growing social acceptance in both the UK and South Africa.

Tessa Peake-Jones discusses her role in the play Invisible Me, reflecting on aging, dating, and the challenges older people face in a digital world. She contrasts modern comedy, which she feels can be cruel, with the warmth of Only Fools and Horses. Peake-Jones also recounts her upbringing, her mother’s mental health struggles, and how these experiences shaped her confidence. She speaks about leaving Grantchester after a decade and embracing new opportunities with openness, hoping audiences find encouragement to reconnect with the world around them.

Roisin Conaty discusses her new travel series Zero Stars, which sends her and Sara Pascoe to the world’s worst-reviewed destinations in a playful challenge to online feedback culture. She reflects on sexism in the comedy industry, her path from early career success to recognising subtle biases, and the distinctiveness of her sitcom GameFace. Conaty also talks about her Irish upbringing, early travel experiences, and life after giving up alcohol eight years ago, crediting sobriety with improving her wellbeing and outlook. Zero Stars airs on TLC.

Chris Packham discusses the urgency of addressing climate breakdown, the pressures young people face, and his belief that engagement with nature can reduce anxiety. He highlights the themes of the documentary Greenwashed, which argues that corporate green solutions often obscure deeper systemic issues, including resource limits and population growth. Packham criticizes UK broadcasters for failing to communicate clear climate science and emphasizes a shift in environmental activism away from road‑blocking protests toward strategic communication. He reflects on his own environmental choices, celebrates influential activists, and stresses that effective messaging is essential to driving meaningful change.

Amy Dowden reflects on returning to Strictly Come Dancing too soon after chemotherapy, describing the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment and recovery. She credits fellow dancer Carlos Gu for helping her rebuild strength and confidence while both navigate personal challenges. Dowden recounts her dance career, experiences with chronic illness, and key partnerships on the show, emphasising resilience, support networks, and gratitude as she prepares to tour again with Gu.

Nadiya Hussain discusses her new cookbook focused on comfort food, reflecting on her long struggle with anxiety, her Bake Off experience, and her multicultural culinary influences. She describes finding stability through cooking and expresses hurt and confusion over the BBC’s decision to stop commissioning her shows. The interview highlights her commitment to accessible, affordable ingredients, her family’s Ramadan rituals, and her determination to take control of her career and personal well‑being.

Andi Oliver reflects on her difficult upbringing, particularly the emotional damage caused by her father, and how creativity, food and friendship helped her heal. She discusses her cultural passions, the film‑themed series of Great British Menu, and formative influences ranging from Golden Age Hollywood to her uncle’s leadership in education. She recalls her long friendship with Neneh Cherry, her experiences as a single parent, and her pride in her daughter Miquita’s success. Oliver criticises judgment around weight‑loss medication and defends Lily Allen against media hostility, while emphasising kindness and optimism as guiding principles influenced by recent conversations with Barack Obama.

Michaela Strachan reflects on her career in wildlife television, overcoming early insecurity about her lack of scientific training and gaining confidence after receiving an honorary doctorate. She discusses sexism in early broadcasting, her past struggle with anorexia, and her long professional partnership with Chris Packham, whose autism diagnosis she addresses in her touring show. Strachan describes significant life challenges including breast cancer, fears faced during filming, and anxiety linked to post‑menopause, which led her to withdraw inward while performing on Dancing on Ice. Emphasising resilience and the value of embracing opportunities, she expresses pride in helping pave the way for future female wildlife presenters.

Lisa McGee discusses her new Netflix comedy mystery How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, the appeal of flawed female characters, and how personal experiences inspired aspects of the show. She reflects on the success and cultural impact of Derry Girls, her decision to end it after three series, and the pressures of being seen as a spokesperson for Northern Ireland. McGee expresses pride in the show’s final episode and its message for young women, while emphasising her creative approach and continued connection to her teenage self.

Jack Thorne discusses adapting Lord of the Flies while also creating Adolescence, focusing on themes of cruelty, morality and the pressures placed on boys. He emphasises that the story is not about innate male evil but about understanding how boys develop and how societal structures influence their behaviour. Director Marc Munden’s visual approach highlights the environment’s reflections of the boys’ social dynamics, while the score underscores themes of ambiguity and tension. Thorne addresses online controversies linking his work to political narratives, stressing that the characters in both dramas defy reductive hero–villain binaries and are meant to reflect human complexity. All episodes of the new adaptation will debut on BBC iPlayer, with weekly broadcasts on BBC One.

Clara Amfo discusses her experiences with seasonal low mood, the therapeutic role cinema plays in her life, and her involvement in a new Odeon and Mind mental health campaign. She clarifies misconceptions about her departure from Radio 1, reflects on representation in film and her experiences with colourism, and describes the comfort and anonymity she finds in solo cinema visits. She highlights films that shaped her, including Sister Act II, The Lion King and Get Out, and emphasises the value of both shared cultural moments and time alone as part of sustaining her wellbeing.

Susie Dent discusses hosting the new Channel 4 show Secret Genius, highlighting how it celebrates non‑academic intelligence and encourages greater inclusivity, particularly among women who are underrepresented in applications for programmes like Countdown and Mensa. She reflects on evolving perceptions of intelligence, the value of emotional intelligence and language, and her own experiences with self‑consciousness and learning. Dent expresses concern about AI’s unreliability, biases and potential social harms, contrasting it with the creativity she sees in human language use. She also emphasises the cognitive and emotional benefits of puzzles and hopes the new show will offer viewers the same sense of focus and escape.

Lucinda Williams discusses her politically charged new album, shaped by frustration with rising violence, apathy and the continued influence of Donald Trump. She reflects on her recovery from a stroke, which left her unable to play guitar but strengthened her vocal presence, and emphasizes the urgency of political engagement in the US. Drawing on a turbulent childhood, decades in music and her long-standing commitment to social justice, she speaks candidly about personal challenges, industry sexism and past relationships, including with Ryan Adams. Her new work blends protest themes with resilience, featuring collaborations such as a cover of Bob Marley with Mavis Staples and continuing her tradition of confronting darkness through songwriting.

Lucy Worsley discusses her new series investigating Victorian-era murders while reflecting on society’s fascination with true crime and the historical roots of misogyny. She describes using crime narratives to highlight overlooked women’s experiences and broader patterns of sexism. Worsley also addresses online abuse, the value of studying history, and shifting interpretations of figures like Henry VIII. Her influence on modern historical storytelling is noted through works such as the musical Six, which reinterpreted Tudor history for a new generation.

Leo Suter discusses taking on the role of Tommy Lynley in the BBC’s modern reboot of the Inspector Lynley series, emphasising how contemporary attitudes toward class reshape the character’s portrayal. The new adaptation highlights class tensions through Lynley’s interactions with DS Barbara Havers while grounding its stories in present‑day issues in Norfolk, including drug trafficking. Suter reflects on parallels between his own background and Lynley’s, his career choices, and the impact of his mother’s death, alongside recent personal milestones. The series continues on BBC One with the full season available on iPlayer.

Martin Compston reflects on his career from his breakout in Sweet Sixteen to major roles in Line of Duty, Red Eye and The Revenge Club, discussing the shift in UK television production scale, his working‑class background, early struggles with typecasting, and the impact of mentorship from veteran actors. He describes stunt experiences, challenges of performing in crime dramas, and how personal feelings of loneliness informed his latest role, while expressing optimism about opportunities for new working‑class actors.

Lesley Sharp discusses generational attitudes toward LGBTQ+ children and her role as a supportive mother in the film Pillion, which explores complex dynamics within a BDSM relationship. She reflects on character motivations, themes of power and intimacy, and the emotional nuance of the story. Sharp also talks about her career, personal history, and upcoming work in the series Red Eye, while offering glimpses into her off-screen life and interests.

Kunal Nayyar discusses the harsh critical reception of Christmas Karma and argues that South Asian stories are often dismissed despite strong audience support. He describes the film’s cultural themes, including the trauma of Ugandan Asian refugees, and explains how personal accounts influenced his performance. Nayyar reflects on racism in the UK and US, preferring to focus on compassion rather than political debate. He speaks about his career, charitable giving, and desire to use wealth to help others, encouraging individual acts of kindness as a path toward meaningful change.

Christy Martin recounts surviving a near‑fatal attack by her husband Jim Martin after decades of domestic abuse, coercive control and suppression of her sexuality. The story, depicted in the new film Christy starring Sydney Sweeney, traces her rise as a pioneering women’s boxing champion, her manipulation by her trainer‑husband, and her eventual escape and recovery. Martin describes long‑term violence, threats and addiction imposed by Jim, as well as rejection from her mother due to her sexuality. Now remarried to Lisa Holewyne, she campaigns for domestic violence awareness and hopes the film encourages victims to seek help and embrace their identity.

Russell Howard reflects on his career in topical comedy, the emotional impact of live performance and his growing willingness to address darker social issues, including self-harm and political division. He criticises far-right figures and major tech companies for fostering discord, while emphasising the unifying power of comedy and real‑world human connection. Fatherhood has brought him deep joy, influencing both his outlook and his new show, Don’t Tell the Algorithm.

A mother reflects on how the film Wicked helps her teenage daughter navigate the complexities of female friendships, contrasting her practical, non‑girly identity with the social dynamics of high school. Empowering narratives in modern culture—from Frozen to Taylor Swift to YA fiction—offer models of supportive relationships and individuality. Wicked’s portrayal of Elphaba and Glinda’s evolving bond resonates with her daughter, encouraging empathy across differences. Once childhood rivals, her daughter and a former nemesis now share a growing friendship, strengthened through the film’s themes.

Stephen Mangan reflects on his career, public persona and family experiences while discussing his return as presenter of Portrait Artist of the Year. He addresses the impact of his mother’s early death on his approach to work and opportunity, his discomfort with being photographed, and his varied career across acting, presenting and writing. The profile highlights his appeal to audiences, his roles in television and theatre, and his admiration for artists on the show. He also comments on the emotional dynamics of portrait‑sitting and expresses skepticism about AI replacing human actors.

Rosalie Craig discusses portraying Rebekah Brooks in ITV’s The Hack, noting Brooks’s composure during parliamentary questioning tied to the phone hacking scandal. Craig contrasts this tightly controlled character with her role as the volatile Kitty in Sally Wainwright’s new BBC drama Riot Women, which follows a group of older women forming a punk band while navigating family pressures and personal challenges. She reflects on anger, ageing, perimenopause, and confidence in midlife, emphasizing the ongoing vitality and self-discovery available to women beyond their forties.

Siân Brooke reflects on how portraying officer Grace Ellis in Blue Lights deepened her understanding of the pressures faced by police officers, informed partly by her upbringing as the daughter of a longtime policeman. She highlights the show’s emphasis on humanity, its detailed research into modern policing in Northern Ireland and its role in shaping public understanding of contemporary Belfast. Brooke discusses her career path, influential mentors and major roles, noting how her experiences and the pandemic reshaped her view of acting’s social value. She believes the series has helped shift perceptions of policing and Northern Ireland while marking a meaningful chapter in her own professional journey.

Rachel Shenton discusses joining All Creatures Great and Small, recalling challenging early scenes and reflecting on the show's enduring appeal rooted in themes of love and community. She highlights the depiction of Helen and Alf Wight’s supportive marriage and the characters’ transition back to peacetime routines. Shenton also explores her contrasting role in the thriller The Rumour, her personal history, and how her father’s hearing loss shaped her connection to sign language. Her career path spans soap work, US television, and Oscar-winning filmmaking, with new writing projects underway.

Greg James reflects on rediscovering playfulness in adulthood, drawing on themes from his new book while acknowledging the privilege that shaped his career. He discusses his long tenure at BBC Radio 1, the unifying role of radio, and the spontaneity that drives his show. He speaks openly about personal boundaries, including choosing not to have children, and comments on the realities of fame and the minor perks that come with it. Through anecdotes about his work, listeners, and life with Bella Mackie, he emphasises joy, silliness and shared cultural moments as antidotes to division and anxiety.

Miriam Margolyes reflects on her outspoken personality, her new book, and a lifetime of unfiltered experiences, blending humour with candid political and personal views. She discusses the influence of her mother, her long relationship with Heather Sutherland, and her frustrations with contemporary politics, including Brexit, the Reform Party, and Israeli government policy. Margolyes recounts anecdotes involving Arnold Schwarzenegger and other figures while expressing a deepening anger at global injustice, yet continues to seek new experiences and maintain a commitment to honesty and empathy.

The David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse displays thousands of preserved items from Bowie’s career, allowing visitors to view selected artefacts up close. Fans examine iconic costumes, instruments and memorabilia, reflecting on Bowie’s evolving personas, cultural impact and personal mythology. The collection focuses strictly on his professional life while highlighting his habit of archiving his own work. The exhibition maintains Bowie’s mystique while offering intimate access to material from his artistic legacy.